Vijayawada Kanaka Durga Temple
Vijayawada is synonymous to Kanaka Durga Temple. Kanaka Durga temple is located on the Indrakeeladri hill, on the bank of River Krishna. Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada is one of the 10 major temples of the state and one of the popular pilgrimage centers, and has been acquiring importance day by day.
The origin of this shrine is known to be of 8th century. The temple was constructed during the Regime of Mogalaya rulers. According to Sthalapuranam, Mogalaya Ruler Thanisha with the assistance of his Ministers Akkanna and Madanna managed the temple with head quarters at Kondapalli. His Holiness Sri Sri Sri Sankara Bhagavatpadulu (Adi Sankaracharya) visited this temple during 8th century and worshipped the deity and installed “Srichakram” at the feet of Goddess.
According to a legend, the now verdant Vijayawada was once a rocky region strewn with hills that obstructed the flow of River Krishna. The land was thus rendered unfit for habitation or cultivation. Invocation to Lord Shiva for His intervention directed the hills to make way for the river. And the river started flowing unimpeded with all its might, through the tunnels or “Bejjam” bored into the hills by Lord Shiva. That is how the place got its name Bezawada.
According to another legend, that Arjuna performed penance and fought with Lord Shiva, who had appeared in the guise of Kiratha to win pasupathastra, the most powerful weapon. So this place is also called phalguna theertha
Special pujas are performed during Dasara also called Navaratri. The most significant are Saraswati puja and Theppotsavam.